FORMER Rangers owner Craig Whyte has gone on trial charged with fraudulently taking over the Ibrox club.

Craig Whyte has gone on trial accused of fraudulently taking over the Rangers

At the High Court in Glasgow, the trial judge quizzed jurors about their footballing allegiances and asked them to ensure their impartiality.

Whyte denies two charges – one of fraud and a second allegation under the Companies Act.

The first claims Whyte obtained a “majority and controlling stake” in Rangers “by fraud”.

It covers dates between May 2010 and May 2011 and various locations including Ibrox Stadium, Murray Park and “addresses meantime unknown” in Monaco and France.

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Whyte denies two charges – one of fraud and a second allegation under the Companies Act

Whyte took his place in the dock in court room Number Four wearing a dark suit and red tie.

The 46-year-old had earlier arrived around 10am for a case that could last more than three months.

The Crown claims Whyte pretended to then Rangers owner Sir David Murray and others that “funds were available” to make all stipulated payments. It is claimed that “resources necessary” were available to meet a number of “obligations” including £5million for “the playing squad”.

The second charge under the Companies Act centres on an £18million payment in connection with the takeover.

Whyte’s advocate is Donald Findlay QC while Alex Prentice QC is leading the prosecution team.

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Alex Prentice QC, leading the prosecution team, told the High Court Whyte was pleading not guilty

Mr Findlay told the court Whyte was pleading not guilty.

A jury of eight men and seven women was later sworn in.

After they were picked, Judge Lady Stacey asked them to “consider matters” before evidence was to be heard in the case.

She said: “There has been some degree of publicity about Mr Whyte and Rangers – putting it at its broadest – over the last number of years.

The judge also encouraged jurors to “put out of mind” anything they may have read or heard previously about the case. After a short break, none of the men and women selected had to be excused.

The trial continues.

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